AGP Executive Report

Aging-in-place support: AARP announced $179,984 in Community Challenge grants across 14 Montana organizations, with projects aimed at helping residents of all ages—especially older adults—stay mobile, connected, and safe through improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, and digital access. Local health infrastructure: Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte, Colorado received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly wellness route linking its Wellness Center to nearby walking paths, with benches and “wellness moments” for gentle movement and social connection. Drinking water funding: The U.S. EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, including efforts to reduce PFAS and lead exposure. Public safety in the territory: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton found near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas, with authorities urging the public to share information. Health & travel risk: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical emergency during a snorkeling excursion off St. Maarten, according to reports.

Public Safety & Health: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton, found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; EMTs pronounced him dead and detectives are tracing what happened late June 24. Water Security: The EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, including efforts to reduce PFAS exposure and address lead and other local contaminants. Healthy Aging & Access: AARP’s Community Challenge continues to fund age-friendly upgrades—this week’s coverage highlights projects like a telehealth hub for older adults and safer, more walkable public spaces. Medicare Administration: Novitas Solutions won a CMS Jurisdiction H contract covering millions of Medicare beneficiaries across several states, continuing its role processing Parts A and B claims. Emergency Response: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the survivor was transported to Charlotte Amalie for care. Travel Health Risk: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical emergency during a snorkeling excursion in St. Maarten, underscoring the need for rapid response and safety planning during water activities.

Aging in place & community health: AARP’s 2026 Community Challenge grants are funding quick, practical upgrades that support older adults—like telehealth access at a senior center in Ohio, safer walkability projects, and benches and pedestrian safety improvements in multiple communities. Local health access: Rio Grande Hospital in Colorado received an AARP grant to build an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, sunshades, and outdoor prompts for gentle movement and social connection. Medicare operations: Novitas Solutions won a CMS Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction H contract covering millions of beneficiaries across several states. Public health infrastructure: The EPA announced more than $25 million in drinking-water grants aimed at small and rural systems, including efforts to reduce PFAS and lead exposure. USVI safety: The Coast Guard rescued a sole survivor after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, transferring him to emergency medical services in Charlotte Amalie. USVI violence: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in the Mahogany Run Villas area on St. Thomas. Health & travel risk: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a snorkeling excursion in St. Maarten following a medical emergency.

Medicare Admin Contract: Novitas Solutions won CMS’s Jurisdiction H Medicare Administrative Contractor contract, covering nearly 5 million beneficiaries and 150,000+ providers across Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas—continuing claims processing for Parts A and B. USVI Health & Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the survivor was taken to Charlotte Amalie for medical care. Community Aging Support: AARP funding is backing age-friendly improvements nationwide, including a Rio Grande Hospital “Wellness Route” project designed for adults 50+ with benches, shade, and outdoor “Wellness Moments.” Public Health Services: A Norwalk Health Department overview highlights immunizations, TB and infectious disease investigations, sexual health clinics, WIC nutrition support, and emergency preparedness. Local Crime & Health Impact: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in the Mahogany Run Villas area of St. Thomas. Disaster Watch: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela have triggered Caribbean tsunami alerts and major health system strain as the death toll and injuries rise.

Medicare Access: Novitas Solutions won the CMS Jurisdiction H Medicare Administrative Contractor contract, covering Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, with claims processing for Parts A and B for nearly 5 million beneficiaries. Healthy Aging & Community Support: AARP announced $8.3M for its Community Challenge, plus $194,000 for 18 Georgia groups, backing quick projects that improve mobility, housing, digital access, disaster readiness and social connection—efforts that also reach the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Wellness Funding: Rio Grande Hospital received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, shade and outdoor “Wellness Moments” for adults 50+. Public Health Services: A look at Norwalk’s Health Department priorities highlights restaurant inspections, immunizations, TB and infectious disease work, sexual health clinics, WIC nutrition support and emergency preparedness. Safety at Sea: Coast Guard units rescued a sole boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the survivor was transported to Charlotte Amalie for care. USVI Community Health Note: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in Mahogany Run Villas, underscoring ongoing local safety concerns that affect community wellbeing.

Cruise Safety & Health: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical emergency during a snorkeling excursion off St. Maarten, with reports saying the guest was pronounced dead after being rushed back to port. Aging in Place & Community Wellness: AARP announced $8.3 million for its Community Challenge, including grants supporting home modifications, safer public spaces, transportation, and social connection; the program also includes projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drinking Water Protection: The EPA is rolling out more than $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, targeting PFAS and lead-related risks. Public Health Infrastructure: A federal repair backlog is leaving some workplaces with health and safety problems like leaks, mold, and broken elevators, raising concerns for workers and visitors. Local Health & Emergency Response: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, transferring the survivor to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Violence Update: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in the Mahogany Run Villas area on St. Thomas.

Public Health Services: Norwalk’s Health Department lays out its core work—from restaurant inspections and immunizations to TB care, infectious-disease investigations, sexual health services, and emergency preparedness—plus WIC nutrition education and screenings. Infrastructure Safety: A federal repair backlog is leaving buildings with rats, leaks, and broken elevators, raising health and safety concerns while funding approvals drag on. Tourism Health & Safety: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical emergency during a snorkeling excursion off St. Maarten; the person was rushed to port but pronounced dead on arrival, with details of the emergency still unclear. Local Health & Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in the Mahogany Run Villas area; EMTs found him unresponsive at the scene. Disaster Response: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela triggered tsunami alerts for the Caribbean and caused major casualties and injuries, with USVI affected by advisories and disruption. Water Quality Funding: The EPA announced over $25 million in grants to improve drinking water systems in small and rural communities, including efforts to reduce PFAS and lead exposure. Substance Use Treatment Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable online substance use disorder treatment with medication and free home delivery. Aging & Mobility Support: AARP-backed projects are funding age-friendly improvements, including wellness and mobility-focused community upgrades.

Federal Facilities Health Risks: A new report highlights how a decades-long federal maintenance backlog is leaving workers and visitors exposed to hazards like leaks, mold, and broken elevators—problems worsened by pushes to return to offices. Tourism Safety & Sudden Medical Emergencies: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical episode during a snorkeling excursion off St. Maarten; details on the cause and whether the tour was cruise-arranged remain unclear. Local Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton in the Mahogany Run Villas area on St. Thomas; EMTs found him without vital signs and detectives are working to trace the timeline and motive. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems and address contaminants like PFAS and lead. Disaster Health Watch: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela triggered tsunami alerts for the Caribbean, with officials reporting rising deaths and injuries and major infrastructure damage.

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton, found unresponsive near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; police say he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and believe the shooting happened late Wednesday night, urging the public to share any information. Drinking Water & PFAS: The U.S. EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources—funding that reaches states and territories, including USVI. Disaster Response & Health: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela have killed at least 589 people and injured thousands, with tsunami alerts affecting parts of the Caribbean and USVI later canceled; health officials report many victims arriving at hospitals without vital signs. Community Wellness: Rio Grande Hospital received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, sunshades, and gentle-movement prompts for adults 50+. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed Bill No. 36-0144 updating USVI firearm licensing and registration to align with recent Supreme Court rulings and reduce subjective discretion. Cruise Medical Emergency: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a snorkeling excursion in St. Maarten following a medical emergency; the family chose to keep the body on the ship rather than fly it home.

Local Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton, found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Disaster & Health Response: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela (7.2 and 7.5) have triggered major casualties and damage, with tsunami advisories affecting the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands later canceled as officials tracked impacts. Drinking Water & PFAS: The U.S. EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, including efforts to reduce PFAS exposure and address lead and other contaminants. Aging & Wellness Access: Rio Grande Hospital received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, sunshades, and outdoor prompts for gentle movement and social connection. Substance Use Treatment Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable online substance use disorder treatment, pairing medication access with free nationwide home delivery. Community Livability Funding: AARP Community Challenge grants are funding local projects across the U.S., including mobility, safety, and connection efforts for older adults and residents of all ages.

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton, found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; police say the incident likely happened late Wednesday night and are urging the public to share any information. Local Health & Aging Support: Rio Grande Hospital received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, sunshades, and outdoor “Wellness Moments” designed for adults 50+ in Del Norte. Health Infrastructure: The EPA announced over $25 million in grants to improve drinking water systems in small and rural communities, including efforts to address PFAS and lead exposure. Disaster Response Watch: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela (7.2 and 7.5) have killed hundreds and injured thousands, with tsunami advisories affecting the Caribbean and USVI later canceled. Policy Update: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a firearms reform bill updating the territory’s licensing and registration framework.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and address lead and other local contamination issues. Public Health Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable online substance use disorder treatment, including medication support delivered to patients’ homes. Local Hospital Support: Rio Grande Hospital received an AARP Community Challenge grant to build an age-friendly “wellness route” with benches, shade, and gentle-movement prompts for adults 50+. Community Safety & Wellness: AARP also highlighted livability grants nationwide, including projects aimed at safer mobility, social connection, and disaster readiness for older adults. USVI Health & Safety: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton near Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas. Emergency Response: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas; the survivor was transported to Charlotte Amalie for medical care. Policy Watch: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed USVI firearms reform legislation updating licensing and registration rules. Health Alerts Abroad: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela triggered tsunami advisories for the Caribbean, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, before alerts were later canceled.

Violence in St. Thomas: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michiah Morton, found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds near Mahogany Run Villas; police say the shooting likely happened late Wednesday night into early Thursday. USVI Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed the “2026 Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act” (Bill 36-0144), updating firearm licensing and registration to reduce subjective discretion and align with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Disaster & Health Link: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit Venezuela, collapsing buildings and triggering tsunami advisories that included the U.S. Virgin Islands; Venezuela’s health minister said deaths have risen to at least 235, with thousands injured. Sun Safety Watch: A new report says few sunscreens meet safety and effectiveness standards, urging shoppers to look for broad-spectrum protection and proper reapplication. Local Public Health Data: KIDS COUNT data for the U.S. Virgin Islands shows gains in graduation and employment and English Language Arts, but concerns remain around math scores, wages, dropouts, and housing pressures. Substance Use Treatment Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable online treatment for opioid use disorder, including medication delivery. Food Assistance Timing: SNAP recipients across the U.S. Virgin Islands and states will see July benefits on different schedules, with holiday timing affecting early-month deposits.

Public Safety & Health: USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed the “2026 Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety Act” (Bill No. 36-0144), updating firearm licensing and registration to remove subjective discretion and align with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Disaster Response: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart (7.2 then 7.5), collapsing buildings and damaging infrastructure; tsunami alerts for parts of the Caribbean and USVI were issued then later canceled as crews continued search-and-rescue. Substance Use Treatment Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable, online medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, including free nationwide home delivery. Local Health & Data: The VI Department of Health epidemiology team earned national recognition at CSTE, with Dr. Hannah Cranford receiving a Rising Leader Award. Community Health & Wellness: A new report says few sunscreens meet safety standards, urging shoppers to look for broad-spectrum protection and proper reapplication. Injury & Crime: VIPD charged a St. Thomas woman, Michelle Donastorg, in a fatal hit-and-run on Veterans Drive involving alcohol, with felony vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter allegations. Kids & Family Well-Being: KIDS COUNT USVI data shows gains in graduation and employment, but ongoing concerns remain around math scores, wages, dropouts, and housing pressures.

Earthquake Relief & Safety: Two major earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) struck northern Venezuela near Caracas, collapsing buildings, damaging infrastructure, and triggering tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that were later canceled; officials reported at least 32 deaths and hundreds injured, with a state of emergency declared and schools planned as shelters. Substance Use Treatment Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable, medication-assisted online substance use disorder treatment, including free nationwide home delivery and no insurance requirement for medications. Local Health & Youth Trends (USVI): KIDS COUNT USVI data shows USVI gains in unemployment, public school graduation, and English Language Arts, but ongoing concerns with lower math performance, dropout numbers, wage pressure, and housing strain. Sun Protection Guidance: A new report finds few sunscreens meet safety standards; dermatology advice highlights using broad-spectrum SPF (at least 30), applying properly, and reapplying after swimming or heavy sweating. Public Health Recognition (USVI): The VI Department of Health Epidemiology Division earned national honors at CSTE, with a lead epidemiologist receiving a Rising Leader Award for innovation and impact. Community Support (AARP): AARP announced Community Challenge grants across states and territories, funding practical projects that improve mobility, connection, and safety for older adults and residents of all ages. Injury & Justice (St. Thomas): VIPD charged a St. Thomas woman in a fatal hit-and-run on Veterans Drive involving alcohol, with felony vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter allegations.

USVI Kids & Families Update: New KIDS COUNT data for the U.S. Virgin Islands shows unemployment improving (6% to 4%), graduation rising (70.9% to 81%), and stronger English Language Arts results, but math scores fell, dropout numbers rose (546 students between 2020-21 and 2023-24), and wages and housing pressures remain major concerns. Public Health Recognition: The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division earned national honors at the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists conference in Boston, with Dr. Hannah Cranford receiving the CSTE Rising Leader Award. Local Safety & Health: A St. Thomas woman, Michelle Donastorg, faces felony charges after a drunk-driving hit-and-run on Veterans Drive left one pedestrian dead and another seriously injured. Community Support for Healthy Aging: AARP announced Community Challenge grants totaling $193,000 across Wisconsin, including projects aimed at improving food access, mobility, and social connection—supporting healthier aging and community wellbeing. Sun Safety Warning: A new report says few sunscreens meet safety standards, urging shoppers to look for broad-spectrum SPF and to reapply after sweating or swimming. SNAP Timing: July SNAP benefit dates vary by state and territory, with some deposits landing as early as July 1 and others later in the month.